Look: Grand turnout for opening of new Armed Forces Centre home in Nuneaton

Royal Air Force Air Cadets from 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron and the flag waving children from Queens C of E Junior School.

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There was a grand turnout for the opening of a new home for the Armed Forces Centre in Nuneaton.

More than 100 guests gathered at the Veterans Contact Point Armed Forces Centre located at the Horsa Building, on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth School on Bentley Road.

Warwickshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Timothy Cox and Marcus Jones MP were among guests at the official opening of the centre, which will provide support for veterans and serving members of the armed forces.

Ex-service Association Standard Bearers, members of Frontline Living History group, Royal Air Force Air Cadet Drummers from the band of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron and the flag waving children from Queens C of E Junior School made the event one to remember.

The new building has been made possible thanks to the support of the Warwickshire, Coventry & Solihull Armed Forces Community Covenant and Warwickshire County Council who are providing the building in the grounds of the local school at a peppercorn rent.

Don Jacques, Dave White, VCP lead Len Hardy and other veterans took part in activities with pupils at Queens C of E Junior School.

Royal Marine veteran, Jesse Owen, shared his own personal history both as a previous pupil at the school and that of Remembrance.

The school children also experienced World War One military life through the help of two re-enactment practitioners who taught the youngsters about drills and ‘square bashing’.

The children enjoyed cakes and drinks and also took part in a colouring competition, wih the best six entries winning a SSAFA Teddy Bear.

The Armed Forces Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm and can be contacted on 024 7634 3793 or by email at contactus@veteranscontactpoint.co.uk

A Veterans Health booklet was also launched at the event to help veterans, their families and health practitioners. The booklet is available in hard copy or can be downloaded from the Warwickshire County Council website.